video storytelling part 2: video storytelling with interviews, images, and sound
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
VIDEO STORYTELLING WITH INTERVIEWS, IMAGES AND SOUND
May 2, 2012
Introduction Activity
Let’s go around the room and share with one another our:
Name
Organization we work with
An interesting thing you might not know about me
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions• Using Interviews for Storytelling • The Art of Storytelling• Interviewing Best Practices• Capturing Interviews• Editing Basics• Screen Videos in Progress: Reflections on
Process• Upload Your Videos Online
Using Interviews for Storytelling
Interview: from entrevue-to see one another, face to face, exchangeinformation between
• A vessel that contains important information and much of the story
• Combined with other elements
Can be used to set up or give depth to a story
Is arresting and compelling when combined with other elements
The interviewee can help you tell the story, but they don’t always have to be the primary storyteller
“Talking heads” : characters in your story
Primary characters: the main person/s the story’s about – you’re seeing the world through their eyes
Secondary characters: support your story, provide expert perspective, offer other points of view
How they can be used to enhance the story rather than make it boring or dry?
How can it help captivate viewers to the story or subject?
How to convey a powerful message?
The Art of Storytelling
Making a connection
Communicating emotion, meaning, what happened
Stories can compel change, new perspectives, action
Richard Koci-Hernandez and “Visual Storytelling”
Stories are a powerful currency in our world right now
Some of the best storytelling around is
on radio
Ira Glass on Storytelling: the power of the anecdote and moments of reflections
Holly Minch’s Six Stories Every Organization Can Tell
How we got started
Nature of our challenge
Emblematic success
Performance story
Where we are going
How we’re striving to improve
Elements of video storytelling:
Mix of shots, angles
Photos
Music
Graphics
Narration
Voiceover Movement Pacing Sounds
Dramatic
theme,
question, idea
Characters
Gift of
Voice
Emotional
content
Point of view
What do you see?
Interviewing Best Practices
Before
During
After
Pre-Product
ionProduction
Post-Production
Before > During > After the Interview
Getting Started: Before the Interview
More than just showing up with a camera
All about getting someone to say what you need, how you need it
Planning is important
Planning:
What is the locationWhat gear will I need Need to prepare my shot list, questionsWill I have a team to helpHow should I prep the subject
Know what your piece is about
• Theme, tone, style
What interview style will you use?
Research and
prepare
Know your subject and your interviewee
Prepping Your Interviewee:
-Clothes to wear
-General description of conversation or send questions ahead?
-Interview logistics
Activity: Role Play
3 volunteers
Interviewer, interviewee, and camera operator
Ask a few questions!
What was that like?
During the Interview
Framing and eyeline Lighting and sound Interview techniquesRemember to get B roll, pictures,
documents, etc. on siteAlso get consent, media releases signed
Framing interview shots
- Subject faces slightly left or right of camera - For more immediate, “directly engaging the
viewer” can have subject look into the camera- Want to see both eyes- Check eyeline—not too high or low, too far right
or left- Mid shot to medium close up usually- Use wider shots to establish context, place- Wide to med close up best for factual,
informational- Shots tighter, closer better for
personal/emotional content
3 Point Lighting
• Key
• Background
• Filler
Lighting tips:
Indoors
-When using existing lights; aim for not mixing sources- Make sure there’s enough light
Outdoors
-Use the sun as a key light-Use a reflector to balance shadows if you need to
Sound tips
-Check for distracting sounds in your location
-Shotgun and lav mic as options
-Prep the location-“taping in progress”
-Remind all “crew” to be quiet during taping!
-be aware of any of your “ums, uh huh, right”
Shooting for the edit tips:
-if interviewer on screen, be sure to 1) capture reaction shots of the interviewer listening, nodding their head, etc. and 2) videotape the interviewer asking questions (before or after the taped interview)
-vary framing
-get room tone!
Gain their trust
Establish rapport
Be respectful of the vulnerable position they’re in
Connect With Your Subject
Put the Subject At Ease
Make them comfortable
Talk casually during set up
Establish a relaxed spirit
Be Aware Of Your Own Presence as an Interviewer
Are you making eye contact?
Do you have any of your own quirks to be aware of?
Be An Active Listener
“Active Listening is a Way of Listening that focuses entirely on what the other person is saying and confirms understanding of both the content of the message and the emotions and feelings underlying the message, to ensure that understanding is accurate.”
Leave Space for Silence
Interview Style for the Edit:
Do you want your own voice in the video?
Prep interviewee for how to answer questions if you will not
Avoid closed questions
Use open ended questions
Style of Questioning
Avoid leading questions
Be as specific as you can
Don’t get too technical or use lots of jargon
Keep it simple
After the Interview
Did you get what you needed?
Reshoot, gather more b-roll, other elements if needed
Say thank you for their time!
Stay in contact with next steps-when the video is screened, goes online, is shared, etc.
Anything to note?
Take a couple minutes and jot down a tip that was really helpful
OR
Write down something you’d like to learn more about
Capturing Interviews Activity
Editing Basics
• We’ll have two breakout groups for PC and Mac users
• You’ll work on learning the basics of editing with interviews, photos with captured footage
• The footage you’ve gathered today will be perfect to continue honing your new editing skills after the class and in the next session!
Congratulations! You’re continuing to speak a new language of sound,
sight, and message!
Practice
Practice
Practice
Uploading Videos Online
• YouTube
• Vimeo
Vimeo:
• Has a different “feel” than YouTube so may be appropriate for different audiences
• Can help foster community, social relationships and networking
• Create an account
• Get familiar with the account settings and recommendations
• If account is for your organization, do not use a personal email address
• Set up a channel!
Photo credits from Flickr/Creative Commons:
Derek E-Jay Juan J Sean Davis Suavehouse Marc Van Der Chijs Allaboutgeorge Hicham Souilmi Amie Fedora Gather Your Crowd Juicylucymamma Sgetliffe
Thank you!!
